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The Liverpool skipper has issued a scathing assessment of Liverpool's woeful title defence, confessing the reigning champions are in disarray and letting down head coach Slot while questioning whether all squad members is owning up for the team’s slump.

The Dutch defender could not contain his frustration after Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that left Liverpool in the lower section of the top-flight standings with a deficit in goals. Tom Werner was present at Anfield to witness Liverpool’s sixth defeat in recent outings, their eighth loss in eleven fixtures across all competitions, and a display that unravelled against a Forest side that began the match in the drop zone.

“Unacceptable” Start and Defensive Lapses

Van Dijk described Liverpool’s start to the second half as “not good enough” and admitted “anxiety set in” as soon as Murillo gave Sean Dyche’s team the advantage. Forest’s opener was the ninth goal Liverpool have allowed from dead-ball situations in the Premier League this season.

“There was a great three or four days’ preparation but in a game you are dealing with reality and the truth is we gave away a free-kick in the first half and a terrible goal at the beginning after the break,” said Van Dijk. “We are definitely letting him down, but we’ve disappointed ourselves as well. You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you work together to escape of this crisis because at the moment it is a mess – that's the reality.

Captain’s Challenge: Take Responsibility

The skipper usually speaks the media after a match as part of his duties as team leader. This time was distinct, however. His voice was much louder – audible enough that any player in the stadium corridors could hear him – and he shook with anger while urging the squad to respond. “Anger is justified,” he insisted. “The main thing for me is that everyone has to take responsibility.” Asked whether that is happening, he replied: “It's unclear. But you have to do that. That's crucial I expect the players to do. It's challenging during tough periods but we must act if we aim to recover of this.”

Squad Investment and Team Problems

The Merseyside club spent almost £450 million to strengthen a title-winning squad in the off-season but have gone backwards, with new arrivals struggling to contribute so far. Van Dijk maintained that Liverpool’s problems go beyond the recent additions. “It's difficult for all involved,” he said. “My expectation is for each player to be answerable on the pitch. We have to do that in order to motivate one another, to make each other better. When someone is pressing, you must join the effort. These are fundamentals but it’s not happening enough.”

Appeal to Stick Together

Van Dijk added: “This season we don’t have any steady form, we allow far too many goals, we are losing battles and all share the blame for it and I trust this is recognized. It's vital to take responsibility to reverse the situation and it is easy to point fingers but unity is essential. Past successes were collective and claimed the title and all contributed, and during a tough time you must remain united and avoid blaming others.

“Show character and face the toughness and go again, repeatedly because if you want to give up then you are at the wrong place in my eyes, because this club has been enduring many adversity over recent seasons and we’ve always come out of it. But it doesn’t mean it is straightforward, it’s tiring but there is no other way.”

Looking Ahead

The upcoming match in the domestic league is a trip to West Ham next weekend, after the midweek visit of PSV in the European competition. He commented: “Wednesday is another opportunity so how should I respond, dwell on the loss? Certainly not, I'll return and try to think how we can improve results and hopefully that is the collective focus as well.”